Obinim is one of the most controversial religious figures in Ghana. His empire, God’s Way Church International, looks after churches in Accra, Kumasi and Tema – three of the largest in the country. He claims that Jesus Christ has granted him the right to more than 20 houses, eight Range Rovers, five SUVs and three Chryslers (his faithful followers, meanwhile, have buses to take them to church).
He has also been arrested more than once: for assaulting and hitting a journalist who dared to criticise him, and for whipping – in church, in front of thousands of people – two teenagers who had a relationship.
Despite all this, his churches are consistently filled with people who leave lavish offerings, buy his bottles of “miraculous” water, and witness the miracles of which he makes himself protagonist. During his weekly services, he performs “resurrections” on dying people, gives healings, and shares his prophecies.
Obinim is not the only pastor in Ghana’s religious world. He is also not the only one to have accumulated enormous wealth thanks to religion, and to have thousands of followers who fill up his churches. Religion, in fact, pervades all parts of the country’s society.
On the African continent, the Evangelic, Pentecostal and Charismatic churches are attracting the greatest number of faithful – and their numbers are rising by four per cent each year. According to the Pew Center of Washington, there were around three million Evangelists in Ghana in 2000, while in 2015 there were 5.5 million. The Pentecostals and Charismatics were around 6.5 million in 2000, while in 2015 they were more than 10 million.
In Ghana, along the streets, every crossroad is picketed with signs and advertisements for churches, many of which have been created and are managed by only one person, one prophet, or one Pastor. It is impossible to count them all.
“These churches are experiencing a boom because they answer the material desires of people,” explains Akosua Adomako Ampofo, a professor of the African Studies Institute of the University of Ghana, in Accra. “The people, especially from the poorer areas of the city, look for answers for daily needs, therefore the promise of wealth – along with the miraculous healing – attracts people.”
Known as “Prosperity Gospel”, this form of Pentecostalism believes that faith may bring wealth and benefits, as well as an improvement to one’s life through donations and prayers. Almost as an advertisement, the pastors and prophets of these churches flaunt their wealth, which means faithful people are frequently willing to donate not only during the ceremonies, but also year round.
“The differences between the various Churches are almost imperceptible,” says professor Adomako. “This is why it’s difficult – if not impossible– to categorise them as Evangelical, Pentecostal or Charismatic. It is easier to define some of the common features: a literal reading of the bible, the emphasis on wealth and wellness, a strong commitment to spreading the Gospel, faith in the Divine power for curing illness and injuries, and a belief in Miracles, just as in Biblical times.”
These churches’ activities are not limited to weekly functions: all of them are very active on social media, and some of them have created universities, hospitals and schools, which are growing exponentially and – in many cases – substituting the State where its presence was lacking.
Churches such as Action Chapel, International Central Gospel Church, and Church of Pentecost have not only founded universities and schools, but also own TV channels, radio stations and publishing houses. Religion has become a thriving – and tax-free – ground for hundre
Source : http://www.adomonline.com/ghana-news/inside-the-dark-opulent-world-of-ghanas-churches/
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